Syria: UN's Ban worried over chemical weapons

Euronews

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has voiced concern about the risk of Syria using chemical weapons.

Damascus has acknowledged for the first time that it has chemical and biological stockpiles, saying it could use them if foreign countries intervene.

“It would be reprehensible if anybody in Syria is contemplating the use of such weapons of mass destruction like chemical weapons. I sincerely hope that the international community keeps an eye on this,” Ban told reporters during a visit to Serbia.

The threat was branded ‘outrageous’ by Germany. Washington has warned Damascus against even thinking about putting it into action.

Syria insists such weapons will never be used on its own people, to crush the rebel uprising.

Internationally, it is feared militants could get their hands on chemical weapons if the regime falls.
Israel has discussed military action to stop them reaching the Lebanese Islamist group Hezbollah.